Posts in category: Opposition Preview

Wolves are back in action again this weekend – with Southampton coming to town. We spoke to Southampton writer Dan Hargraves to get his lowdown on all things Saints.

How has the start of the season gone for you?

I don’t think any Saints fans can complain about our start really. Seven points from five games with three of last season’s top six in there as well as a Leicester side full to top players and a Leeds team who have started well. Our new players have all gelled instantly and we look like a solid team who will be hard to beat this year.

Are you happy with the transfer business that’s been conducted by your club?

I’m happy, but a statement signing would make me delighted. It’s been the first summer under our new ownership Sport Republic and although we haven’t got crazy money available to spend, we’ve purchased players who fit our ethos whilst next to no players have left (yet). The only criticism I’d have is that we’re yet to break our transfer record which, in modern terms, is pretty low at £20m, with us in desperate need of a top striker, although that could change in the final days of the window.

What is your opinion on your manager?

I’ve always liked Ralph Hasenhuttl as a person but there were plenty of doubts at the end of last season that he was the man to take us to the next step. Instead, the club opted to change the backroom team and it’s looking to pay off. I will always want Ralph to succeed at Saints but he has been known to struggle to break bad habits whether that be team selection, formation change or in-game management. It’s been a good start but let’s see if he’s finally learned his lessons in a couple of weeks.

What is your team’s typical formation and style of play?

Generally, a 4-2-2-2 has been trademark with Hasenhuttl but we’re currently playing with a 4-3-3 that can be moulded into a 4-2-2-2 or a bit of a 4-2-3-1 mid-game. He experimented with a back-five throughout pre-season and in the first two games of the season but it clearly didn’t work and the new set-up has earned us our seven points.

Which player do you tip to have a big season for your team?

There are a couple of our new signings who have looked excellent but I’m going to back new defender Armel Bella-Kotchap. At just 20 years of age, the German has been an absolute monster at the back alongside Mohamed Salisu and has seriously impressed early on in the season. Leaking goals has been a major issue for Southampton for a number of seasons now and it’s a habit they’ll need to break to progress. Let’s see if he’s the long-awaited solution.

How do you think you will do this season?

Despite a good start and an impressive transfer window, I still think the league is ridiculously competitive and a top-half finish will be a real achievement if we were to reach it. It’s not impossible, but I don’t think we’re there just yet. As long as we steer clear of relegation danger throughout the campaign I’ll be content. Let’s say we’ll finish 12th.

What are your thoughts on Wolves?

I have to be honest, I still worry about where the goals are going to come from for Wolves. I was also shocked to see Connor Coady depart on loan but Nathan Collins has looked excellent from what I saw of Burnley last year and Wolves this. The winless run since April is also a concern for me. I think it’s a typical situation where once they’ve got that first victory they’ll kick on and start ticking and become the competitive outfit we know they’re capable of being. Hopefully, that doesn’t come on Saturday!

Who from Wolves are you worried about playing against?

Despite the lack of goals for his standards last season, Raul Jimenez is always a worry given his good record versus Saints. The same applies for Pedro Neto. Nathan Collins also scored against us last season! It’s also going to be about how we break down what is a solid defence because I don’t see this game having many goals in it.

Score prediction for our game?

When you’ve just beaten Chelsea at home for the first time in nearly ten years, you’re bound to be confident for a game against a side that could well end up close to us in the table throughout the season. We’re yet to win at Molineux in the league since Wolves came back up but something’s got to give eventually right? I’m expecting a tight game but think that Saints will edge it 1-0.

Wolves face Newcastle United on Sunday as the home team still chase their first league win of the season. We spoke with Olly Hawkins from NUFC Blog who gave us the low down on The Magpies.

How has the start of the season gone for you?

All in all, it’s been a really promising start. We outplayed Nottingham Forest from first minute to last on the opening weekend, paying some lovely stuff and pressing well throughout. In truth, 2-0 flattered them! Brighton away was a tough watch. We were lucky to come away with a point in the end, having Nick Pope to thank, but were sensational in last weekend’s 3-3 draw against Man City. It’s a shame we let the 3-1 lead slip, however it was a performance to be proud of and refreshing to see such a bold and fearless approach against top opposition.

Are you happy with the transfer business that’s been conducted by your club?

Prior to this week, we’d only made defensive additions in the form of Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett, which was a surprise to many when we’d been crying out for goal-scoring winger and quality competition for the injury prone Callum Wilson all summer. Botman looks a classy operator, Pope has already shown his worth and Targett is a 7/10 most weeks, but it looks like Alexander Isak is set to become our new club record signing from Real Sociedad ahead of Sunday’s trip to Molineux. He’ll be on the bench at best, but it’s a serious statement of intent and the attacking breakthrough we’ve been waiting for all summer.

What is your opinion on your manager?

Eddie Howe has been a revelation since he took the job. Yes, he’s been backed in the transfer market, but he’s a workaholic and forward-thinking manager who seems meticulous in everything he does. We’ve come on so much in so many areas since he replaced Steve Bruce, massively improving fitness levels, enhancing our previously non existent style of play, becoming much better defensively and tactically astute. He’s also developed individuals who were previously struggling under the former coach, with Joelinton’s rise from £40m flop to midfielder powerhouse one of his many success stories.

What is your team’s typical formation and style of play?

We’ve opted for a 4-3-3 formation for the majority of 2022, which features one number six – who operates just ahead of the back four – and two high-pressing number eights who hunt in packs and attempt to support our front three. Our ability to play out from the back is still a work in progress, but ever-improving fitness levels have helped us press high and force errors at the back. It’s a risk reward strategy, but our dynamic midfield, mixed with Kieran Trippier’s creativity, Almiron’s endless running and Saint-Maximin’s quick feet make us a tough side to contain when we’re at it.

Which player do you tip to have a big season for your team?

Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian has got it all. I often sit and wonder how we managed to pull this one off when I watch him play! He has that Samba flair mixed in with an incredible engine, real tenacity in the tackle, creative spark and an eye for goal, too. It will be fascinating to see how he gets on against the likes of Nunes, Neves and Moutinho, which promises to be some battle on Sunday!

How do you think you will do this season?

Based on the money spent, the recent progression and momentum behind us, I feel like we could be in the mix for a top eight finish. Top 10 felt realistic and sensible a few weeks ago, but if we can end the window with a few big signings, I see no reason why we can’t compete with West Ham and end up in 8th. Our home form could be key, with Liverpool being the only side to beat us at St James’ Park this calendar year.

What are your thoughts on Wolves?

I saw your 1-0 defeat at Spurs last weekend and thought you were by far the better side in that first 45 minutes, yet you went from total control to letting the game slip and barely laying a glove on them in the second half. You look a quality goal-scorer away from being a very handy side, as the likes of Neto, Guedes and Podence seem eye-catching players who would benefit from a focal point up front. I got the feeling things had gone stale at Wolves prior to Matheus Nunes’ arrival, but he could be one of the signings of the summer and Max Kilman often impresses me at the back.

Who from Wolves are you worried about playing against?

Pedro Neto is a real livewire and someone I felt was destined for a huge move prior to his injury, but Matheus Nunes looks a top player and superb coup for the cub. His big frame and ability to glide with the ball reminds me of former Spurs midfielder Moussa Dembele, so it’ll be fascinating to see how Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton handle him.

Score prediction for our game?

I must say, I’d fancy us to sneak a win had Callum Wilson been fit. I know Chris Wood loves a goal against Wolves, but he just isn’t the same threat. So, I’ll go for a 1-1 draw where winning the midfield battle and Allan Saint-Maximin – who is unplayable on his day – will hold the key.

Wolves face on Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in what will be a tough test but could be the first time Wolves fans see Matheus Nunes in the famous old gold and black. We spoke with Matt Hayes, a Tottenham blogger who gave us the low down on Spurs.

How has the start of the season gone for you?

We have had two very different performances after a very successful transfer window. We were cohesive, dominant and convincing on the opening day against an admittedly weak Southampton side without needing to start any of our new signings. Son looked rusty but I’m sure he’ll get past that soon! Sunday at Stamford Bridge was the chalk to our opening day cheese where Chelsea were simply better. At the end of the day, however, our point counts the same as theirs and we earned ours in a very un-Spursy way.

Are you happy with the transfer business that’s been conducted by your club?

Our business has been incredibly sensible. There is a faction of our fanbase that is understandably underwhelmed with our defensive acquisitions – the £150m investment by the board seemed to promise an expensive left centre-back in the shape of Alessandro Bastoni or Josko Gvardiol & a marauding right-wingback a la Hakimi. Djed Spence and Clement Lenglet on loan didn’t scratch that itch. The signings of Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Ivan Perisic & Destiny Udogie are all fantastic in their own right. We now have the squad depth to challenge Chelsea for third place.

What is your opinion on your manager?

He’s the best in the world. Of course, I know he isn’t, but he’s made us feel like he is. He had a massively successful time at Juventus with Fabio Paratici and their partnership seems to be bearing fruit yet again. They are two men who breathe football and live to work, and their most outstanding accomplishment so far is getting money from the board and convincing Daniel Levy to give up control on transfers. Conte has instilled a ‘never-say-die’ attitude in a team known for bottling the big occasions, and we have a genuine feeling that silverware isn’t far away.

What is your team’s typical formation and style of play?

Conte is wedded to a 3-4-3, although we did switch to a 4-4-2 in the second half against Chelsea to match their formation in possession. Romero and Davies in the wide centre-back roles will play more advanced than you are expecting. Our wingbacks, whoever plays, will stretch the pitch as wide as possible. We aim to be physically dominant in midfield, where we admittedly lack creativity. Our front three speaks for itself – Kulusevski has been a priceless addition to our team. Only 2 players have more goal contributions in the Premier League since he joined: Harry Kane and Heung-min Son. We like to have the ball, but we love to be without it.

Which player do you tip to have a big season for Spurs?

Dejan Kulusevski. The man is the most exciting talent Tottenham have signed in my decade or so supporting the club. He’s only 22 but he’s experienced, with over 100 top-flight appearances under his belt. He is so dangerous when he gets the ball on his left foot, whether he’s aiming for the head of Harry Kane or the far top corner. Without him at our disposal, Arsenal would have strolled into the top 4 last season. My money is on Kulu keeping us in that top 4 for another year.

How do you think you will do this season?

I think we can beat Chelsea to third place. I won’t kid myself into thinking we can challenge Man City or Liverpool, but I believe our squad is better than Chelsea’s. I said before our clash at the Bridge that I expected Chelsea to win as they have the better starting eleven, but I expect us to finish above them because we have greater depth all across the pitch to allow us to deal with 50-60 fixtures between now and May.

What are your thoughts on Wolves?

I have a soft spot for Wolves. My late grandfather had a season ticket at Molineux back in the day. I have been impressed with your business this summer. Goncalo Guedes is a brilliant player who always caught my eye when I watched Bryan Gil at Valencia last season. As an Irishman, I am a big fan of Nathan Collins & wrapping Hee-chan Hwang up on a permanent deal was a no-brainer. From an outside perspective, I’m confused at the Conor Coady departure but I’m sure Bruno Lage has his reasons!

Who from Wolves are you worried about playing against?

If Goncalo Guedes is in the side, he could cause us problems. We are defensively weak at wingback and his pace could easily exploit the often-bemusing defensive positioning out wide. Pedro Neto fits into the same category. I will always be concerned about the passing range of Ruben Neves when we play Wolves. The pace you have up top with his vision could cause us big problems on the transition.

Score prediction for our game?

I’ll go with a 2-1 win for Spurs. We don’t seem capable of keeping clean sheets, but we have so much going for us on the front foot. I’m definitely expecting a tighter affair than our opening-day romp against Southampton but I think we will edge it back in front of our home crowd. Harry Kane will be gunning for a goal or two – he is one goal away from setting the all-time record of most Premier League goals for a single club. He already has 184.

Wolves face Leeds United on the opening day of the new Premier League season. We spoke with Thomas Bradley from I’d Radebe Leeds who gave us the low down on Leeds United.

How has pre-season gone for Leeds?

Results wise it’s been nothing to write home about it, but from a more generic perspective, it’s been good to see a new squad and identity-forming under Jesse Marsch. 

It’s difficult to know right now if what we’ve seen in pre-season will carry through to the season, but some of our new players look like they could fit right into the intensity of the Premier League. It’s been great to see Patrick Bamford back in action too. 

Are you happy with the transfer business that’s been conducted by your club?

It’s difficult to judge at the moment. Most of our signings are unknown entities in the British game. However, a lot of our new signings have come from teams were there has been a winning mentality. 

If the desire and expectation to win can be transferred to the club as a whole then we should be able to avoid having a season like we did last campaign. 

What is your opinion on your manager?

The jury is still kind of out on Jesse Marsch, though. Which isn’t really his own fault. He came in during a tough period, but now he has to impress with his own style.

The talk seems to be from players that he is a great motivator, so hopefully, that can only be a positive thing. 

What is your team’s typical formation and style of play?

Marsch likes to play a high-intensity pressing style of football. He has a rule where his side will have multiple players pressing one opposition player. Gaining possession back is high on his list of priorities. 

Interestingly, he also plays with quite a narrow system. You’ll see wingers in narrow positions off the ball, and he likes to play through the middle of the pitch. 

Which player do you tip to have a big season for your team?

Rasmus Kristensen has all the characteristics of a player that is loved at Elland Road. He appears to be a strong character with plenty of grit, but also the ability to get forward and score goals. He’s very much a modern-day full-back. I think he’ll be a real crowd pleaser. 

How do you think you will do this season? 

I’m perhaps answering this question with a touch of blind optimism as the season hasn’t kicked off yet. But I’ll stick my reputation on the line and say we’ll finish 10th. 

Now, 10th doesn’t sound glamorous, but after last season I will snap your hands off for it. 

What are your thoughts on Wolves?

There’s always a sense of intrigue surrounding Wolves – for me at least anyway. It became an exciting project quite quickly, and I’ll never forget how they stormed the Championship. 

They appear to be very organised under the current regime and I expect them to have a decent season again. 

Who from Wolves are you worried about facing?

I’m a big fan of Ruben Neves. He chips in with some incredible goals, and he’s a real classy operator on the ball. If you manage to keep hold of him before the transfer window closes then he’ll certainly be the player I will keep an eye on when Wolves visit Elland Road.

I quite like Conor Coady as a player too. He’s a great leader and someone you can rely on to go into battle with. 

If Wolves frustrate us like they did last season at Elland Road, then I think he’ll have played a big part in helping Wolves shut up shop. 

Score prediction

I’ll stick with my blind optimism and say it will finish Leeds United 2 Wolves 1. I expect a close game, but hopefully, we will be the side that edges it.